potterpig40

Hi everyone

We have recently moved to Canberra on a 2 year 457 sponsored visa with my husband's company and our 3 children Jess 14, Fraser 10 and Harry 7! It wasn't a easy decision to leave the UK despite the fact we are being sponsored and not emigrating. Fortunately the kids have settled into their prospective schools amazingly well, both our boys are thoroughly enjoying the outdoor way of life and are involved in the abundance of sporting activities available. When we left the UK in April my daughter was currently coming towards the end of Year 9 and had just choosen her options for her GCSE's, we were lucky to gain a place at Canberra Girls Grammar school (unfortunately my husbands occupation as a IT project manager doesn't currently fall into the category of occupations in demand list, so his company have to pay for schooling, whether state or private). If we return to the UK after the 2 years my daughter will have completed year 10 and gained a certificate - having made enquiries at a couple of colleges in the UK, I was advised that this should be accepted as GCSE's if she wanted to go on and do A-evels or the equivalent? Now I'm not sure if this will apply as my daughter informs me that years 9/10 in Australia are not anywhere as intensive as years 10/11 gcse years in the UK, however if we are lucky enough to extend so she can complete years 11/12 here in Canberra she will have the opportunity to take the international Barraculeate which will be recognised for a university place once we return to he UK. Really sorry to have gone on bit too long and this is really starting to sound long a biography but if anybody can advise me or pass on any information regarding this please let me know.

On a lighter note we are thoroughly enjoying Canberra and despite how most other Australians from outer state betray Canberra we think its a fabulous place to live!

Jo Smith